DSWD chief visits Banga to check on school shooting victims

BANGA, South Cotabato — Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian arrived here Sunday to check on victims and families affected by the deadly shooting at Banga National High School (BNHS).

Gatchalian, who arrived shortly after 11 a.m., visited the victims, their parents and teachers affected by the Sept. 18 shooting.

READ: Campus shooter ‘planned  attack, warned classmates’

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Aside from checking on their condition, his visit aims to ensure that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to provide assistance and social services to those affected by the tragedy.

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As part of its response to the shooting, the DSWD Field Office 12 held an inter-agency orientation at the Banga municipal hall for personnel who will provide psychological first aid (PFA) to students and their parents.

The orientation brought together personnel from the Department of Education 12, health authorities and the Banga Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.

Representatives from the DSWD Protective Services Bureau, DSWD Academy, Center Development Office and the agency’s field offices in Regions 8 and 9 also joined the activity.

The orientation was intended to prepare and coordinate response personnel before the PFA sessions.

The DSWD said the intervention seeks to provide appropriate psychosocial support to students, parents and others affected by the shooting. /mcm